The Talbot Village Trust COVID-19 Support Fund will provide revenue, core funding or capital and equipment requirements to enable the continued delivery of essential services by local charities and community groups. Those in immediate need can apply for up to £50,000 of support. Priority will be given to organisations directly helping people, families and communities during the crisis.

Talbot Village Trust Trustees and key local stakeholders will meet virtually to review applications and award funds on a fortnightly basis until the Fund has been fulfilled. Each application will be considered on its own merits and organisations and charities can apply more than once if needed. No prior funding is required.

The first deadline for applications is midnight on 16 April. Applicants will be notified if they have been successful on 20 April. Subsequent application timetables will be announced after each funding round.

The launch of the Fund is being supported by BCP Council Leader, Vikki Slade, and the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Angus Campbell, both of whom will be attending the first virtual trustee meeting to review applications.

Councillor Vikki Slade said, “I feel humbled to have been asked to join the panel assessing the grants – this fund is exactly what I would imagine the Talbot sisters imagined their charity would deliver.”

Angus Campbell said, “This is a wonderful example of community support at a time of extraordinary difficulty for very many in Dorset and also at a time of unprecedented hardship for our splendid charities that wish to help them in these most difficult times.”

Sir Christopher Lees, chairman of trustees at Talbot Village Trust, commented, “We would urge any local charity or community group to apply immediately for our support, if they need it. The application process is quick and easy, and they will get a decision within days.”

Talbot Village Trust was first created more than 150 years ago by the Talbot sisters, Georgina and Mary Talbot. Inspired by the poverty of the area at the time, Georgina purchased land to provide farming for employment and housing and a school for use by local people. In 2018 and 2019, Talbot Village Trust made grants of over £2million.

Please go to https://www.talbotvillagetrust.org/covid-19-support-fund/ for more information on the application process.

Applications can be made using the form available to download on the Talbot Village Trust website. Questions can be sent to Covid19.fund@talbotvillagetrust.org.